The Ainsworths


If you tuned into Auckland student station Radio B in March 1981 for any extended period you would have found it almost impossible to miss a strident but melodic power-pop tune called ‘Danger Man’. One of the inner-city anthems of the moment, the song and the band that recorded it were briefly everywhere.

Recorded by The Ainsworths, the band were one of the charge leaders in the so-called North Shore Invasion of fresh post-punk bands that dominated the Auckland city band scene between late 1980 and mid 1981, and the song was the lead track on the March 1981 compilation Class Of '81, a collection of many of these new bands put together by local indie Propeller Records and Radio B.

Adam Holt at XS Café
Photo credit: Adam Holt collection
Phil Jackson, Rowan Shedden, Hilary Hunt, Adam Holt
Photo credit: Adam Holt collection. Photo by Anthony Phelps.
The Ainsworths at XS Café, 1981
Photo credit: Adam Holt collection
The Ainsworths, venue unknown, 1981 - Rowan Shedden, Phil Jackson, Hilary Hunt, Adam Holt
Phil Jackson at XS Café, 1981
Photo credit: Adam Holt collection. Photo by Anthony Phelps.
Rowan Shedden, Hilary Hunt, Phil Jackson, Adam Holt
Photo credit: Simon Grigg collection. Photo by Anthony Phelps.
Rowan Shedden at XS Café
Photo credit: Adam Holt collection
An early shot of The Ainsworths. Top: Phil Jackson, Hilary Hunt, Rowan Shedden, Bruce Leyland, Dave Donoghue. Bottom: Adam Holt
Photo credit: Adam Holt collection
Adam Holt at XS Café
Photo credit: Adam Holt collection
A May 1981 poster for so called "North Shore Invasion" bands in Kohimarama, Auckland, with The Screaming Meemees, Blam Blam Blam, Alms For Children and The Ainsworths
Photo credit: Simon Grigg Collection
A typical TVNZ contract for a band performance in the early 1980s, this one being for Dropa Kulcha, an early evening show. This was for two numbers, the second of which was never recorded as the show was cancelled. 
Photo credit: Adam Holt collection
Coin, the 1981 single
Hilary Hunt and Adam Holt at XS Café, 1981
Photo credit: Adam Holt collection
Members:

Hilary Hunt - vocals

Adam Holt - bass, guitar

Carol Speedy - keyboards

Sue Speedy - backing vocals

Dave Donahue - bass

Rowan Shedden - guitar

Bruce Leyland - saxophone

Phil Jackson - drums

Labels:

Propeller


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